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US Medicine · 2027 Entry

David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA (MD) Medical School2027 Entry Requirements & Interview Format

Location Los Angeles, CA, United StatesEstablished 1951Interviews October–FebruaryDecisions March 30
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Full guide

How to get into David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA (MD) medicine

Step-by-step: entry requirements, MCAT prep, personal statement, interview format and the key deadlines.

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Interview guide

Prepare for the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA (MD) interview

Format breakdown, school-specific sample questions, FAQs and prep tips from tutors who interviewed here.

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Overview

About David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA (MD)

The David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA is a leading public medical school located on the UCLA campus in Westwood, Los Angeles. Affiliated with UCLA Health — one of the top-ranked hospital systems in California — the school offers diverse clinical training across a population encompassing every demographic and disease profile. UCLA particularly excels in health equity research, surgical innovation, and biomedical technology.

What makes it different

UCLA's PRIME track (Programs in Medical Education) offers focused tracks in rural/underserved medicine, global health, and urban underserved communities — a distinctive feature for socially motivated applicants. The school's size and Los Angeles location provide exposure to one of the most diverse urban patient populations in the country.

Course & teaching

Integrated curriculum. 4-year MD. Years 1–2: DGSOM PRIME ("Programs in Medical Education") track available alongside the standard curriculum. Early clinical exposure through the Learning Communities model. Years 3–4: clerkships at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, UCLA Santa Monica, Olive View–UCLA, and affiliated community hospitals.

Research strengths

David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA (MD) has notable research strength in Cancer research, Neuroscience, Health equity, Transplantation, Infectious disease.

Interview

David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA (MD) interviews via Hybrid: MMI scenario stations plus traditional one-on-one interview(s).

Intake

Approximately 175 students per year.

At a glance

Founded in 1951, based in Los Angeles, CA. Programmes offered: Surgery, Oncology, Neuroscience, Health Equity, Biomedical Technology.

Entry requirements

What you need to apply to David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA (MD)

Admission overview
Bachelor's degree and MCAT required. California residents receive moderate preference as a public UC school. Research experience, community service, and clinical exposure expected. Secondary application required.
MCAT median
519 (range 514–524)
GPA median
3.85 overall / 3.83 science (BCPM)
Acceptance rate
3.0%
Class size
175
In-state preference
Moderate — some OOS consideration
In-state matriculants
65%
CASPer
Not required
AAMC PREview
Required
Holistic review emphasis
Diversity, community service, health equity, and research in a public university context.
Notes
MCAT/GPA approximate from DGSOM class profile. In-state preference reflects UC public mandate.
Specialities offered
Surgery, Oncology, Neuroscience, Health Equity, Biomedical Technology
Interview

How David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA (MD) interviews applicants

Format
Hybrid: MMI scenario stations plus traditional one-on-one interview(s)
Interview window
October–February
Decision date
March 30
Tutor insight
UCLA's MMI often includes health equity and community medicine scenarios reflecting the school's public mission — prepare examples that demonstrate genuine engagement with underserved populations or advocacy work. As a public school, California residency provides a real advantage; out-of-state applicants should have MCAT/GPA at or above the national T20 range to be competitive. The PRIME track is highly sought-after; if social medicine aligns with your career goals, tailoring your application to demonstrate specific commitment to underserved communities will meaningfully boost your candidacy.
Practice

Practise for your David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA (MD) interview

PrometheusQuestion Bank621 medicine questions inside

Interview questions matched to David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA (MD)

Two questions our tutors flagged as a strong fit for David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA (MD)’s interview style. Try answering them out loud, then open Prometheus for the model answers and follow-up tips.

MediumPanelQ1

Service Orientation: Rural Medicine and Workforce Shortage

HRSA designates thousands of geographic areas as Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs), and rural communities face a documented primary care physician deficit expected to worsen through 2030. You grew up in a rural area and have watched family members drive two hours for specialist care. You are interviewing at a school with a rural medicine track. An interviewer asks: 'What makes you certain you will actually practise in a rural setting, and what would make you change your mind?'

Likely follow-up · What specific aspects of rural practice — clinically, professionally, and personally — have you investigated to understand what you would be committing to?

3 expert tips in Prometheus
MediumPanelQ2

AAMC Core Competency: AMCAS Personal Statement and Written Communication

Your AMCAS personal statement (5,300 characters) is the only piece of unstructured writing admissions committees will read from you before the interview. What is the purpose of the personal statement in the holistic review process, and what distinguishes a memorable personal statement from a forgettable one?

Likely follow-up · What are the most common mistakes applicants make in their personal statements?

3 expert tips in Prometheus
Open Prometheus for David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA (MD)Browse 1,106 free questions →
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MCAT Strategy

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FAQ

David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA (MD) — frequently asked questions

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